More than 30 Ukrainian orphans, now living in the canton de Vaud, have marked the second anniversary of their flight from their war-torn country. Guests, including volunteers from the Ukraine Centre, were invited to join them for an open day at their new home near La Sarraz.
They were plucked to safety after their orphanages were destroyed during the Russian invasion in February 2022. Many are from Mariupol, the city that was subjected to a three-month siege by Russian forces.
Despite driving rain, the day was full of smiles and joy. Huge tents prevented the weather spoiling the fun on Saturday, June 22nd at the Pompaples orphanage. Centre volunteers Kathy Overlack and Sylvia Rubli from our Personal Support Team, as well as Centre President Louis Voiron, Ludmila Bahmut and Anna Khtema joined the fun and brought along some goodies for the children.
Mariupol, was Ukraine’s tenth biggest city until it was destroyed. « It’s hard to imagine what these children have been through, but it was wonderful to see them enjoying a bit of normalcy after so much trauma in their lives, » said Kathy Overlack. The children all attend local schools but receive extra support from Ukrainian teachers. The project is a joint endeavour by the Swiss and Ukrainian Governments.
The children already regularly attend craft activities on Sundays at the Ukraine Centre in the Scots Kirk, Lausanne. Many are organised by Centre volunteer, Nadiia Halushko, her husband Vadim, and Ludmila Bahmut. Louis Voiron said : « We hope we can continue to help these children to the best of our abilities. Making a small difference to their lives is a strong ‘raison d’être’ for the Centre. »
Above: Louis Voiron and Anna Khtema with H.E. Ambassador Iryna Venediktova
